Saturday, December 29, 2018

How To Plant In Containers



In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook discusses the beauty and benefits of large-container planting.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

How To Level A Stone Walkway



Lifting a concrete slab (called mudjacking) with Ask This Old House landscaping contractor, Roger Cook.

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Soil Amendments | The Dirt | Better Homes & Gardens



Even the best garden soil may need soil amendments or added soil nutrients from time to time to make it richer and more productive. Learn how to improve soil drainage, moisture retention, aeration, and more.

Monday, December 17, 2018

Friday, December 14, 2018

How to Build a Simple, Sturdy Greenhouse from 2x4's



This project was a whole lot of fun and a big learning experience for me. I think it came out great, especially for a first construction-based project. The main cost incurred with this project is buying the lear corrugated paneling. A cheaper option would be to build them from the same way, but a clear plastic greenhouse "wrap". It won't last as long but will save you a lot of money.

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Concrete Patio & Hardscape Design



A concrete patio is often the focal point of the backyard. This is where much of the activity occurs. See how this hardscaping plan was designed with three different types of hardscape materials including concrete for the patio, pavers, and gravel.

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Seed Starting | The Dirt | Better Homes & Gardens



Starting seeds indoors in winter is an inexpensive way to grow more of your favorite plants. Here's what you need to know to make your seeds blossom.

Sunday, December 2, 2018

How To Create Bonsai From Regular Trees



Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook learns about the ancient art of Bonsai.

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Super Fast Leaf Composting Trick



We show you our new method to make leaf compost/ mold that will give you a jump start on building your garden soil. This method is an easy and fast trick for composting your leaves.

We found that this method is easier than using your lawn mower for several reasons. First, a push mower has a small bag. We can do 3 times as much in the trash can. Second, when you mow leaves, you are sucking up grass and weed seeds by the handfuls. We do not want those in our leaf mulch.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

How To Design A Yard In Phases



Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada returns to her home state of Florida to help a homeowner design a tropical landscape for his backyard

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Sunday, November 11, 2018

How to Plant Authentic Dutch Flower Bulbs



Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner originally from Holland plant authentic Dutch bulbs

Friday, November 2, 2018

Mulching Best Practices



There's more to mulching than tossing wood chips on the flower beds. Doug Maurer, president of Brian-Kyles Landscapes of Distinction, points out what you should do before applying mulch -- then he explains the different types of mulch.

Saturday, October 27, 2018

How To Install A Rustic Stone Walkway



Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough installs a front walkway for a homeowner using natural stone.

Thursday, October 18, 2018

How NOT To Build With Pavers- Why They FAIL!



If you know why Pavers fail then you can build them to LAST! The 4 causes of Paver Failure is from bad base, Horizontal, Vertical & rotational failure. Some of these cross over into why Both Asphalt and Concrete fail as well. We discuss this simply enough to help anyone avoid these issues.

Monday, October 15, 2018

The Best and Worst Mulch for Your Garden | Southern Living



Our very own Grumpy Gardener gives you the low-down on the mulch varieties to buy and those to avoid.

Friday, October 12, 2018

DIY Clean 'n Simple Gravel Landscaping - Part 3 (Update!)



Check out the clean 'n simple makeover we did to the landscaping around our barn house. We got rid of all the old, over grown bushes, grass, & lava rock and replaced it with 1" clean rock gravel and some simple, low maintenance, modern plants.

This is Part 3 where I show you an update of how everything has grown in over the last 8 months or so. I also show you a couple of things we redid and give some info on where I got some of the landscaping materials that a few people have been asking about.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

DIY Clean 'n Simple Gravel Landscaping - Part 2 of 2



Check out the clean 'n simple makeover we did to the landscaping around our barn house. We got rid of all the old, overgrown bushes, grass, & lava rock and replaced it with 1" clean rock gravel and some simple, low maintenance, modern plants.

This is Part 2 where I show you how I cut, bent, and installed the aluminum landscape edging, how I installed the weed blocking, landscape fabric, how I poured and leveled out the 1" clean rock gravel, how I built the simple wood, gravel, & concrete step, and how I evenly spaced out and installed the 16" square concrete patio pavers to make our new sidewalk.

Saturday, October 6, 2018

DIY Clean 'n Simple Gravel Landscaping - Part 1 of 2



Check out the clean 'n simple makeover we did to the landscaping around our barn house. We got rid of all the old, overgrown bushes, grass, & lava rock and replaced it with 1" clean rock gravel and some simple, low maintenance, modern plants.

This is Part 1 where I show you how I got rid of the old lava rock, tore out the overgrown weeds, and re-graded the dirt to flow away from the house to prepare for new landscape edging landscaping fabric, and gravel.

Sunday, September 30, 2018

How To Mulch, The Three Musts Of Mulching



How to mulch shows you how to apply mulch to your gardens and landscape. Using Proper mulching techniques you can have healthy garden beds. Your plant beds will look their best if you follow the three musts of mulching.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

DIY Paver Walkway Installation



This week I tackled the front walkway of the house and replaced the old bricks with a new paver walkway. This project was a ton of work but all in this project cost me less than $400 to complete thanks to an awesome hookup with the pavers and most of that money going towards extended tool rentals because of the rain. Really happy with the result and can't beat the price even if it was a lot of backbreaking labor!

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

You Will Never Throw Away Grass Clippings After Watching This



Would it be a good idea for me to pack my clippings or abandon them on the garden? Much of the time, the appropriate response is simple. Reuse the grass clippings by abandoning them on the garden. Doing as such won't just spare you time and vitality, yet will likewise return important supplements to the grass.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Gator Base Installation



1 Million SQ. FT. Installed it's a better installation!
For concrete pavers, porcelain tiles and natural stones

Sunday, September 9, 2018

How to Revitalize a Lawn



Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook tends to a lawn that was seeded in the summer and is not doing well.

Thursday, September 6, 2018

How to Install a Vinyl Privacy Fence



This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook works with a fencing contractor to install a vinyl privacy fence.

Monday, September 3, 2018

How To Install A Backyard Water Feature - DIY Network



Landscape designer Sara Bendrick takes you through the steps of designing and installing a backyard waterfall and pond. She even includes planting shelves and indigenous granite rocks for a natural look.

Friday, August 31, 2018

Rain Roof - Rainwater Harvesting Project - How To



Building a Rain Roof as another option to harvest rainwater for home, garden or livestock use. Specifically, this is set up for my rainwater garden area but could be used for just about anything.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Gator Stone Bond



Gator Stone Bond is a unique blend of polymers designed to bind together a wide variety of small aggregates commonly referred to as decomposed granites (dg): pathway mixes, crusher runs, concrete sand etc.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Sunday, August 19, 2018

How to Fix a Lawn Full of WEEDS - DIY Weed Control



Learn how to fix an ugly lawn full of weeds. I teach you many types of weeds and talk about the big picture strategy of weed control.

Thursday, August 16, 2018

How To Remove Overgrown Foundation Shrubs



Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner remove foundation shrubs that have overtaken the front of her house.

Monday, August 13, 2018

How To Plant Edible Foundation Plantings



Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner select foundation plantings that include edible varieties for both people and wildlife.

Saturday, August 4, 2018

DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 - Backyard Tour



Set in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, DIY Network's Ultimate Retreat 2018 boasts an amazing backyard with a huge wraparound deck, a fire pit, a walk-up bar and gorgeous water views.

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

How To Attach A Trellis To A Concrete Wall - This Old House



This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows how to hide—and beautify—an ugly concrete-block retaining wall.

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Build It | Fire Pit Cover



Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva works with host Kevin O’Connor to build a cover that can turn a store bought fire pit into a table when not in use.

Thursday, July 26, 2018

How To Make A Secret Pet Garden - DIY Network



DIY Network host Chris Lambton shows how to make a pet-friendly secret garden in your backyard.

Monday, July 23, 2018

French Drain Tips - Avoid These Mistakes



In this French drain tips video, I cover some common mistakes made when installing drainage lines for gutter downspouts. Often when installing new drainage systems, or French drains, we come across mistakes made by others. Most often then not these mistakes are made when trying to collect and redirect water from gutter downspouts. Gutter downspout drainage is a key component of any landscape drainage system and is often overlooked. These are the 3 most common mistakes I come across when working on sites with existing landscape drainage systems and French drains.

Friday, July 20, 2018

Handy Outdoor Storage Hacks - Burning Daylight - HGTV



If your backyard and garage have been taken over by pool toys, sports gear and garden tools, Maria Antoinette is here to help. Check out her top tips for staying organized outdoors.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Saturday, July 14, 2018

How To Build A Work Glove Holder



Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares a viewer tip for an inexpensive solution to storing work gloves

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

How To Repair Rising Deck Boards



Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps diagnose a problem with composite decking coming loose.

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Monday, July 2, 2018

Friday, June 29, 2018

How To Install A Lawn Pop-Up Drain



Steps I took to install a lawn pop-up drain at my home. Once installed, the drain will take rainwater from the downspout on the gutter system and water our lawn when it rains.

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

How To Get Fresh Air Into A Firepit



I'll show you how to get fresh air to your fire pit and reduce pesky campfire smoke

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Bocce Ball Court Design & Game Rules



See how to incorporate a bocce ball court into your own backyard. A form of outdoor bowling, this sport has simple requirements: a space of about 50 to 80 feet in length with a base of crushed stone or shells. This court is further enhanced by an arbor with climbing roses for shade and a decorative concrete border to form the perimeter.

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

How To Mulch A Garden Bed



This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows a homeowner how to properly mulch garden beds.

Sunday, June 17, 2018

How To Pour A Concrete Slab For Beginners DIY



In this video we show you how to pour your basic 16 x 12 Concrete Slab! We go over all the necessary steps for your concrete slab to come out perfect! We show you how to form the slab, put rebar in at 2ft x 2ft centers, rod it, bull float it, put joints in, edge it, use the fresno/Big Blue and broom it. We hope you find this information Valuable and to help you on your next project!

Thursday, June 14, 2018

How To Install A Water Feature That Reuses Rainwater



Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada installs a water feature that collects and reuses rainwater.

Monday, June 11, 2018

How To Install A Hog Wire Fence - DIY Network



Licensed contractor and DIY Network host Jason Cameron shows you how to construct a custom fence made from hog wire.

Friday, June 8, 2018

How To Revive A Lawn With A Slice Seeder - This Old House



This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows a quick, easy way to seed and resuscitate a sickly looking lawn.

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

How To Install A Cobblestone Patio - DIY Network


Licensed contractor and DIY Network host Matt Blashaw shows you how to create a circular patio using cobblestone pavers.

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Build Your Own Retaining Garden Wall For Kids



Jason comes to the rescue of a young family whose backyard's retaining wall is falling over. Not only is it an eyesore, it's downright dangerous for the kids when they play in the area. Jason's job is to remove and re-build it and he's got nifty tricks along the way to help you build your own retaining wall and achieve a truly professional finish.

Thursday, May 24, 2018

How To Remove Crabgrass - This Old House



In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains how to remove crabgrass.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Saturday, May 12, 2018

How To Edge And Mulch Around A Tree



This is how to edge around a tree and mulch around a tree. It's pretty simple, but it gives a clean look without any fancy tools or equipment. You could even do this with a regular shovel, the edger I use just makes it a bit easier to do.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Thursday, May 3, 2018

DIY: Brick Walkway



Bring Your Own Tools (Episode #9) involves turning a boring concrete walkway and creating something more eye-catching by installing a brick accent along the sides of the walkway. Wasn't as simple as I had hoped but it sure does add a lot of character to the walkway.

Monday, April 30, 2018

How to Patch a Lawn With Grass Seed



This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook and host Kevin O'Connor patch a lawn with grass seed.

Friday, April 27, 2018

How To Properly Mulch Around A Tree | This Old House



This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook and certified arborist Matt Foti save a tree from mulch suffocation.

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas



There is nothing like spending time out of the home when the climate permits. Furnishings Fashion has place collectively 25 outdoor kitchen styles to give you inspiration about what could be in your personal backyard. Entertaining outdoors is a fantastic way to devote time with family members and buddies. Getting the appropriate setup can actually make a difference in every person's knowledge. It is wonderful to look at as several examples as you can locate to see what you like and dislike. Also, there are so a lot of types in how these areas can be built. A big query is how much cooking surface and what types of surfaces are required. Also, adding ample refrigeration space and an ice machine can be really sensible as well.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

How To Apply Stone To A Concrete Wall, Block Wall, Houses, Etc Part 2



This is the part 2 video of us showing how to apply the stone ledgers under the cantilevered ledge to give your walls, houses, block walls or whatever you want to it on, a nicer look!

Sunday, April 15, 2018

How To Build A Concrete Raised Planter Bed Part 1



In this video, we show you how to form and build a raised planter bed! This is kind of a 3 part video and this being the 1st part so stay tuned for the next 2 videos we will be uploading on how to form a cantilevered ledge and placing the stone under the ledge!

Thursday, April 12, 2018

6 Super-Stylish Pergola Designs - DIY Network



Adding shade and style, a pergola is a great addition to any backyard. From a charming Victorian-inspired structure to a rustic entertaining retreat, get inspired by these fun pergola designs.

Monday, April 9, 2018

Friday, April 6, 2018

DIY Stacked House Number Planter - HGTV Happy



Add color and curb appeal to your porch with this house number planter, featuring three stacked terra-cotta pots.

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

How To Fix An Ugly Lawn In 5 Easy Steps



It's easy to fix an ugly lawn if you learn the proper techniques. There are 5 steps to reviving a lawn. The more steps you complete, the better your lawn will be!

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Pavestone RumbleStone™ Tree Ring



Pavestone RumbleStone™. Rustic building blocks for your outdoor hardscape projects. Simple to complex, large or small, the possibilities for creative expression are as far and wide as that inner child's imagination.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

How To Install A Channel Drain



This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner solve a driveway drainage dilemma.

Sunday, March 25, 2018

How To Revive A Brown Lawn



This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook breathes new life into a dead lawn.

Monday, March 19, 2018

How To Build A Patio - Ultimate DIY Installation Guide



The Ultimate Guide how to build Patio. Step by Step how to build a DIY Driveway or paver patio. How to Prepare the foundation soils, base soils, and the sand base. This is about as easy as a DIY backyard Patio can get.

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

How To Build A Bocce Ball Court - DIY Network



Building a bocce ball court is a great way to use unused space. Follow these simple steps for backyard fun all season long.

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Bamboo Privacy Screening



Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that is great for providing privacy and screening from neighbors. With its thin leaves and sturdy trunk, bamboo fits into narrow spaces alongside yards and adds lots of interest to a yard. Find out what other benefits bamboo has.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

SUPERSAND G2



SUPERSAND G2 is made with a state-of-the-art manufacturing process. Specifically, calibrated sand is mixed with sophisticated intelligent polymers. This new generation of Intelligent Polymers neutralizes haze and dust. No blower is needed and the intelligent polymeric sand requires only one watering. SUPERSAND G2 is recommended for a variety of uses including pool decks, patios, footpaths, driveways, parking spaces, pavements, etc. Available in Beige and Slate Grey.

Sunday, March 4, 2018

How To Install A Rain Chain



Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook installs a decorative and functional alternative to a downspout.

Thursday, March 1, 2018

How To Make Your Own Japanese Zen Garden: Part 1



Simple clean lines with a minimal planting pallet prove that sometimes less really is more
Taking some design and style tips Jason shows you how to add a touch of the orient to your garden.

Friday, February 23, 2018

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Mediterranean Landscape Design



See this Mediterranean landscape design done by a professional landscape architect using different paving materials, water-wise plants and landscaping seat walls. This Mediterranean landscape design includes olive trees, lavender, iceberg roses, ornamental grasses, phormiums and much more.

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Laying Garden Paving Slabs (Patio DIY) | The Carpenter's Daughter



I don't know what's come over me recently, but I had the urge to try laying my own patio and garden path for the first time.

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Installing A Gopher Control Wire Mesh



Gopher Wire or Gopher Control Wire Mesh is the best way to stop gophers and moles from destructing your artificial lawn.

Monday, February 5, 2018

How To Lay Sod In A Backyard



This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner lay sod in his backyard.

Friday, February 2, 2018

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

How To Install Alliance Gator Supersand Bond



Supersand Bond is a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated sand available in Beige, Slate Grey, Ivory and Black Diamond. The installation of Supersand Bond is almost identical to using regular paver joint sand except for the application of water. Once Supersand Bond sets, it becomes very firm and locks between the paver joints while still retaining flexibility and providing a long lasting, durable jointing material. Supersand Bond is recommended for a variety of uses including pool decks, patios, footpaths, driveways, parking spaces, pavements etc.

Saturday, January 27, 2018

How To Establish A Level Grade Line For Landscaping - This Old House



This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares three methods for laying out perfectly level lines.

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

How To Rebuild A Concrete Block Retaining Wall



Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough rebuilds a retaining wall that was stacked with the wrong material.

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Installation Of Alliance Gator Dust With John Briggs



This is an explanation on how to install Alliance Gator Dust.

This polymeric stone dust is a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated crushed stone available in two colors: Sahara Beige and Stone Grey. Once Gator Dust sets, it becomes very firm and locks between the stone joints. This firm bond maintains the stones securely in place, being equally effective on both horizontal and sloped surfaces.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Creating Beautiful Landscapes With PAVESTONE



The possible applications for pavers are only limited by your imagination. Maximize your outdoor living experience with a design that is all your own. Create a scenic walkway in a beautiful downtown park. A variety of hues and textures allow you to have unlimited possibilities to both compliment and enhance the natural beauty of any surrounding while being friendly to the environment. From palatial outdoor entertainment areas to pool decks with a relaxing spa-like feel, you can count on unsurpassed strength and flexibility. Concrete pavers can withstand the forces of weather, water and traffic. Plus, they are especially designed to withstand freeze-thaw conditions, making them a good choice for cool as well as warm climates. Your design project will be as beautiful years from now as it is the day it is installed.

Monday, January 15, 2018

Friday, January 12, 2018

Test The Difference With The Alliance Polymeric Sands



The competition makes claims. We go the distance to TEST and PROVE that Gator Super Sand and Gator Maxx are the best polymeric sands on the market. Period.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

How To Plant A Rain Garden



Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada plants a rain garden that filters storm runoff to prevent contaminating a marsh.